PLEASE NOTE: This wiki was created by Marlene Manto for a specific purpose. The site is NOT being maintained so please be aware that information and/or links may be out of date.
Training in the 21st Century
Introduction
How is training in the 21st century different than before? Because in the past, teachers and trainers had limited tools in their 'toolboxes'....chalk, pens, books, whiteboards, learning guides, overhead projectors, VCRs etc. However the 21st century has provided an avalanche of new e-tools!
Check out this video and ask yourself....are you a 21st century teacher?
So being a 21st century teacher/trainer does not mean that you are doing anything different....only that you are taking advantage of the many new tools available which can...
Make the learning experience more engaging for your learners
Help your learners to feel more supported
Make some of the difficult tasks easier for you
Save you time...and help ease your stress levels! :-)
Let me introduce you to a number of people who were experiencing common issues, but found that the simplest solutions somtimes make a big difference....
Issues and Solutions
Kristina’s issue:
Arranging suitable dates/times to meet with staff she is mentoring, for group get-togethers. Solution: When is Good
This tool is simply a 'meeting organiser' and is an easy way to find out when everyone is free for your next meeting or get-together. There is no sign-up form. No password to choose. No fuss at all! Just go to WhenIsGood and organise your next meeting or event in next to no time. Resources: Check out the video demo to learn more (note the links across the top which start from the basics but then explain more)
Carmel & Liz’s issue:
Managing learning journals for staff and trainees on work placement and work experience. Solution: Blogger
Blogger is a free blogging platform run by Google. A blog is essentially an online diary or journal, usually maintained by an individual who maintains and updates it with regular entries. Unlike a paper diary though, this can include audio, video, links and images. Resources:
The video Blogs in Plain English is an excellent introduction to what blogs are about, and then when you are ready to begin, the video How to create a blog with Blogger is a good start. Looking for examples? Check out Jessica Watson's blog or Luke’s work experience blog...or a blog documenting a project journey.
Susan’s issue:
Needing to discuss important study topics with trainees...while managing a business across a number of locations. Solution:QuickTopic
QuickTopic.jpg
This is a simple little tool, but can make a big difference to communication! QuickTopic' is a 'single topic web forum that's also fully email-enabled. You can start a topic in 10 seconds and participants can use just email to participate, or they can use the web board, or both as the need arises. This tool makes communication easy and prevents the situation where a multitude of emails flick back and forth in a discussion, and end up entangled in everyone's In Box. Resources: Here are some examples of how QuickTopic is being used...don't forget to check out Quick Topics for Educators
Nancy’s issue:
Finding suitable resources to reinforce learning, and assist with understanding. Solution: LORN
LORN is a gateway to online training resources...It's like a 'Google' for learning objects (click here for definition). LORN allows trainers to access more than 2,500 quality, copyright cleared, (mostly) free online learning resources from repositories across Australia. Resources: Find out more about LORN here. Following are some examples of what you can find, however why not go straight to the LORN website and search for yourself! Examples: Administer Medication (Pt. 1) or Drive a Forklift(Have a go at Task 3: Pick up, Move and Stack a Pallet)
Gerry’s issue:
Needing to demonstrate something over and over again...and wishing he could just find a suitable video to use, or make a ‘once only’ video demo. Solution:YouTube
YouTube is a video sharing website which allows users to locate existing videos, upload their own, and share videos with others. There is an amazing am
Dave’s issue:
Gathering a number of useful online links but then finding that the list becomes too long, and the Bookmarks are not available on other computers at different locations. Solution:Delicious
Delicious is a social bookmarking service that allows you to tag, save, manage and share web pages all in one place...which means that your Bookmarks/Favourites will be available to you anywhere and from any computer, are easy to find, and can be shared with others in a group. Resources: Start with the video: Social Bookmarking in Plain English for an explanation of the concept, and/or this One-Pager Guide to Social Bookmarking . You may also be interested in The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Social Bookmarking - a comprehensive collection of tutorials, advice, resources, tips and tools, or Using Delicious in Education - a 20 slide presentation.
John’s issue
Having his Powerpoint slides readily available to everyone after he has presented at a conference. Solution: SlideShare
Slideshare is a site which allows you to upload and share your presentations eg. PowerPoints, as well as add audio to make a ‘webinar’! When you upload a Powerpoint you receive a unique URL which can be sent out in an email or put up onto a website or Learning Management System (LMS). Resources: Start by checking out some that others have uploadedincluding the Powerpoint used for the 21st Century Training session that I have uploaded, and another called 'Elearning on a Shoestring' Another great example of an uploaded powerpoint is Death by PowerPoint....a must see. :-)
Jurgen’s issue:
Too many emails just to share links, set dates, collect information (recipes!) ....everything needs to be in one spot with a single entry point, and easy to use. Solution: Wikispaces
A wiki can be as simple as an online whiteboard...or as complex as a corporate website. It is essentially a website that can be edited...by yourself, your learners, your colleagues...depending on permissions allocated. Wikipedia is a wiki. One of the more commonly used wikis is Wikispaces (which is this one). Resources:This video the concept of a wiki and here is how you Get Started.. You might also find 50 Ways to Use Wikis for a More Collaborative and Interactive Classroom is a useful resources, although it has a school focus, and other examples are Horizon Project and E-learning on a Shoestring.
Vicki’s issue:
to be available to support a group of learners... but shiftwork means this could be from various locations and different times. Solution:Skype Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet and 'see' when someone is online. A Skype communication can be as simple as a quick text message, or as complex as a multi-user video call with file exchange and sharing of desktops. Resources - Get started by watching the video 'Making a video call with Skype' Other interesting resources are Using Skype in the Classroom (or just learning how to use it!) - a blog entry and 10 minute video on how to set up and use Skype in a training environment....and 50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom - another blog posting containing lots of ideas to 'teach students in dynamic ways'. Alice’s issue:
Trying to support a group of trainees when they work in different locations and have different shifts. Solution:Wiggio
Wiggio is a free tool which helps with the management and communication amongst groups. You can share and edit files, manage a group calendar, poll your group, post links, set up conference calls, chat online and send mass text, voice and email messages to your group members. Resources: You can take a Test Drive to see what Wiggio is like, and check out the Tutorial to get started. The FAQ is also a good source of information.
Janice’s issue:
Working with colleagues on the same document...and ending up with lots of versions flying back and forth on email! (Not to mention never being sure which is the most -to-date copy). And then there's the whole issue of working from more than one computer.... :-( Solution:Dropbox
Dropbox allows you to sync your files online and across your computers automatically....up to 2GB for free! Resources: A good place to start is to take the tour, and the beginning video explains the principles of Dropbox. Once you've got the idea there is an explanatory video which shows you how to set yourself up for an easy life!
Andrea’s issue:
Wanting to develop a ‘learning ethos’ and quick communication across her organisation. Solution:Yammer
Yammer like Twitter...except that it is internal to the organisation. It enables users to communicate, collaborate, and share more easily and efficiently than ever before. It reduces the need for meetings, increases communication across silos, surfaces pockets of expertise and connects remote workers. Resources: Here is a video about Yammer and what you can do with it, however if you struggle with the principles behind using a social media tools such as Yammer inside your organisation, you might want to read Yammer: Social Networking, Micro Blogging, or just a better way to work? When you're ready to go with it, first check out Yammer Best Practices -- Increase Adoption & Engagement.
Training
in the 21st Century
Introduction
How is training in the 21st century different than before? Because in the past, teachers and trainers had limited tools in their 'toolboxes'....chalk, pens, books, whiteboards, learning guides, overhead projectors, VCRs etc. However the 21st century has provided an avalanche of new e-tools!Check out this video and ask yourself....are you a 21st century teacher?
So being a 21st century teacher/trainer does not mean that you are doing anything different....only that you are taking advantage of the many new tools available which can...
Let me introduce you to a number of people who were experiencing common issues, but found that the simplest solutions somtimes make a big difference....
Issues and Solutions
Arranging suitable dates/times to meet with staff she is mentoring, for group get-togethers.
Solution: When is Good
This tool is simply a 'meeting organiser' and is an easy way to find out when everyone is free for your next meeting or get-together. There is no sign-up form. No password to choose. No fuss at all! Just go to WhenIsGood and organise your next meeting or event in next to no time.
Resources: Check out the video demo to learn more (note the links across the top which start from the basics but then explain more)
Managing learning journals for staff and trainees on work placement and work experience.
Solution: Blogger
Blogger is a free blogging platform run by Google. A blog is essentially an online diary or journal, usually maintained by an individual who maintains and updates it with regular entries. Unlike a paper diary though, this can include audio, video, links and images.
Resources:
The video Blogs in Plain English is an excellent introduction to what blogs are about, and then when you are ready to begin, the video How to create a blog with Blogger is a good start. Looking for examples? Check out Jessica Watson's blog or Luke’s work experience blog...or a blog documenting a project journey.
Needing to discuss important study topics with trainees...while managing a business across a number of locations.
Solution: QuickTopic
This is a simple little tool, but can make a big difference to communication! QuickTopic' is a 'single topic web forum that's also fully email-enabled. You can start a topic in 10 seconds and participants can use just email to participate, or they can use the web board, or both as the need arises. This tool makes communication easy and prevents the situation where a multitude of emails flick back and forth in a discussion, and end up entangled in everyone's In Box.
Resources: Here are some examples of how QuickTopic is being used...don't forget to check out Quick Topics for Educators
Finding suitable resources to reinforce learning, and assist with understanding.
Solution: LORN
LORN is a gateway to online training resources...It's like a 'Google' for learning objects (click here for definition). LORN allows trainers to access more than 2,500 quality, copyright cleared, (mostly) free online learning resources from repositories across Australia.
Resources: Find out more about LORN here. Following are some examples of what you can find, however why not go straight to the LORN website and search for yourself! Examples: Administer Medication (Pt. 1) or Drive a Forklift (Have a go at Task 3: Pick up, Move and Stack a Pallet)
Gerry’s issue:
Needing to demonstrate something over and over again...and wishing he could just find a suitable video to use, or make a ‘once only’ video demo.
Solution: YouTube
YouTube is a video sharing website which allows users to locate existing videos, upload their own, and share videos with others. There is an amazing am
Resources: Examples of what you can find on the YouTube website are: How to tie a sling, Auto Retractable Safety Syringes Training, How to use a bandsaw or Internet Safety for Teens. In fact, start your search with the words 'How to...' and you will be surprised what you find.
Gathering a number of useful online links but then finding that the list becomes too long, and the Bookmarks are not available on other computers at different locations.
Solution: Delicious
Delicious is a social bookmarking service that allows you to tag, save, manage and share web pages all in one place...which means that your Bookmarks/Favourites will be available to you anywhere and from any computer, are easy to find, and can be shared with others in a group.
Resources: Start with the video: Social Bookmarking in Plain English for an explanation of the concept, and/or this One-Pager Guide to Social Bookmarking . You may also be interested in The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Social Bookmarking - a comprehensive collection of tutorials, advice, resources, tips and tools, or Using Delicious in Education - a 20 slide presentation.
Having his Powerpoint slides readily available to everyone after he has presented at a conference.
Solution: SlideShare
Slideshare is a site which allows you to upload and share your presentations eg. PowerPoints, as well as add audio to make a ‘webinar’! When you upload a Powerpoint you receive a unique URL which can be sent out in an email or put up onto a website or Learning Management System (LMS).
Resources: Start by checking out some that others have uploadedincluding the Powerpoint used for the 21st Century Training session that I have uploaded, and another called 'Elearning on a Shoestring' Another great example of an uploaded powerpoint is Death by PowerPoint....a must see. :-)
Too many emails just to share links, set dates, collect information (recipes!) ....everything needs to be in one spot with a single entry point, and easy to use.
Solution: Wikispaces
A wiki can be as simple as an online whiteboard...or as complex as a corporate website. It is essentially a website that can be edited...by yourself, your learners, your colleagues...depending on permissions allocated. Wikipedia is a wiki. One of the more commonly used wikis is Wikispaces (which is this one).
Resources: This video the concept of a wiki and here is how you Get Started.. You might also find 50 Ways to Use Wikis for a More Collaborative and Interactive Classroom is a useful resources, although it has a school focus, and other examples are Horizon Project and E-learning on a Shoestring.
A place to find (usable and free) photos for training, AND a place to store and share photos.
Solution: Flickr
Resources - Get started with the videos 'Photo sharing in Plain English', and 'How to use Flickr', then you might want to check out the Flickr FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), 7 things you should know about...Flickr (this is a PDF document) or Photo sharing With Flickr.com (a simple one-pager about Flickr)
to be available to support a group of learners... but shiftwork means this could be from various locations and different times.
Solution: Skype
Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls over the Internet and 'see' when someone is online. A Skype communication can be as simple as a quick text message, or as complex as a multi-user video call with file exchange and sharing of desktops.
Resources - Get started by watching the video 'Making a video call with Skype' Other interesting resources are Using Skype in the Classroom (or just learning how to use it!) - a blog entry and 10 minute video on how to set up and use Skype in a training environment....and 50 Awesome Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom - another blog posting containing lots of ideas to 'teach students in dynamic ways'.
Alice’s issue:
Trying to support a group of trainees when they work in different locations and have different shifts.
Solution: Wiggio
Wiggio is a free tool which helps with the management and communication amongst groups. You can share and edit files, manage a group calendar, poll your group, post links, set up conference calls, chat online and send mass text, voice and email messages to your group members.
Resources: You can take a Test Drive to see what Wiggio is like, and check out the Tutorial to get started. The FAQ is also a good source of information.
Working with colleagues on the same document...and ending up with lots of versions flying back and forth on email! (Not to mention never being sure which is the most -to-date copy). And then there's the whole issue of working from more than one computer.... :-(
Dropbox allows you to sync your files online and across your computers automatically....up to 2GB for free!
Resources: A good place to start is to take the tour, and the beginning video explains the principles of Dropbox. Once you've got the idea there is an explanatory video which shows you how to set yourself up for an easy life!
Wanting to develop a ‘learning ethos’ and quick communication across her organisation.
Solution: Yammer
Yammer like Twitter...except that it is internal to the organisation. It enables users to communicate, collaborate, and share more easily and efficiently than ever before. It reduces the need for meetings, increases communication across silos, surfaces pockets of expertise and connects remote workers.
Resources: Here is a video about Yammer and what you can do with it, however if you struggle with the principles behind using a social media tools such as Yammer inside your organisation, you might want to read Yammer: Social Networking, Micro Blogging, or just a better way to work? When you're ready to go with it, first check out Yammer Best Practices -- Increase Adoption & Engagement.
Additional Resources
Contact Details
Marlene MantoSA E-learning Coordinator
Australian Flexible Learning Framework
Ph: 08 8226 1673
Email: marlene.manto@flexiblelearning.net.au
Acknowledgements:
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All photos are CC licensed Flickr photos: